District Administrator's Corner

by Loren Glasbrenner,  River Valley School District Administrator  With the continual threat of cuts to education funding, it’s important now more than ever to recognize the significant influence music education has on school-aged children.  To keep the research plain and simple, musical experiences in childhood accelerate brain development (www.brighthorizons.com).  One of the ways education celebrates this development is by celebrating National Music in Our Schools Month each March.  The first month of recognition took place in New York back in March 1973, and it’s been growing in popularity ever since.  In River Valley, we celebrate the importance of music education, and we ask you to join us in this important event. At some time during our school days, we all remember going to music class.  Whether it’s remembering the lyrics to “This Land is Your Land” or learning some notation on a recorder, music was a part of our education.  Teaching music in public schools is a long-standing, proud tradition in our Wisconsin public schools.  The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) states that “music instruction shall be provided in accordance with a written comprehensive music curriculum including developmental experiences involving singing, playing instruments, listening, movement, creative expression, and music reading.”  And, this instruction inspires students every day. Nick Ehlinger, Jennifer Snow, Tony Cavagnetto, Matt Snow, and Rebecca Schinker inspire our River Valley students.  These professionals take the vast, diverse world of music and teach.  By recognizing this celebratory month, it provides us an opportunity to recognize the hard work of staff and students as they inspire using voices, instruments, and song. The River Valley Music Department has numerous highlights for students: • General music classes weekly for all students (Grades PreK-8) • Performance courses for vocal and instrumental students (Grades 6-12) - 6th grade Choir and Band, 7th/8th grade Choir and Band - Concert Band, Honors Band, Honors Choir, Treble Choir, and Mixed Choir -Chamber Ensemble and Jazz Band • Solo and Ensemble practices and performances • Concert Festivals at regional and state levels • State Honors Band and Choir projects • District Marching Band performances • Pep Band performances • Opera for the Young (RV Endowment grant award) • POPS Concerts • Advanced Placement Music Theory course • Musical Theater performances each year Without electives, school would be difficult for many students.  They come to be inspired by a subject or a teacher.  Music is no exception to this.  Music instruction provides our students with the chance to be creative, loud, dynamic, and expressive.  River Valley is very fortunate to have impressive courses and talented professionals facilitating music experiences on a daily basis. The community support for our music programming is outstanding.  On March 15 Band O Rama was held for the middle school and high school band students. Please come and join us for some great upcoming music events: - March 17, 7 p.m., Gard Theater, middle school/ high school Jazz Concert. - March 22, 7 p.m., high school new gym, middle school Choir Concert. - May 25, 7 p.m., high school new gym, high school Band/Choir Concert.